The man accused of stealing a police car in Vancouver and injuring a cyclist last fall entered three guilty pleas in Vancouver Provincial Court Friday.
Dustin Walter Tallio was charged with theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, failing to stop causing bodily harm, and flight from police.
Represented by lawyer Ashley Valleau, Tallio confirmed to Judge David St. Pierre he was entering the guilty pleas on theft, dangerous driving causing bodily harm and failing to stop at the scene
In a video shared with Glacier Media, a Vancouver Police Department (VPD) cruiser can be seen driving in circles near a busy playground around 11 a.m. on Oct. 6, 2024.
“His drug use is the strongest catalyst for why these offences occurred,” Valleau said.
The case returns to court May 30 for an update before sentencing dates are set.
What happened?
Robert Farr was walking his dog around Vancouver's Templeton Park when he said he spotted a police vehicle driving at an excessive speed nearby.
"I saw a VPD SUV speeding through a block over,” he said. "It ramped over speed bumps and jumped a curb into the new running track and field by the kids' playground.”
Sgt. Steve Addison said before the incident officers were flagged down near East Hastings Street and Semolina Drive for a woman in distress at 10:45 a.m.
As police officers stepped out of the vehicle to assist the woman, a person got into the driver’s seat. The man stole the police vehicle and drove it toward a group of families at Templeton Park.
Police say the person drove up on the grass field, near where young families were gathering at a playground and where kids were playing soccer.
Caregivers in the area gathered all the children quickly and were helped by staff at the nearby community centre.
Police officers were on scene three minutes after the car was stolen.
A K9 officer with the VPD could be seen driving to the park and dealing with the vehicle. The police dog and officer arrested the man while other police officers arrived.
Addison said one person was injured during the incident and was nearly struck head-on by the vehicle. He suffered minor injuries and went to the hospital.
What’s next?
St. Pierre granted Tallio bail on conditions he remain at a recovery house and that he wear an electronic supervision bracelet.
